The Washington Commanders announced they have finalized their 2026 coaching staff.
At first glance, the offensive side clearly has more coaches. Sure enough, the offensive staff includes 13 coaches, while the defense has only 9. Is this to help new offensive coordinator David Blough, who has only two seasons of coaching experience?
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The Commanders presented two lists, one for the offense and one for the defense, ironically omitting to include the big guy himself, head coach Dan Quinn.
Offensive Staff
Most notably, Kliff Kingsbury has departed, and an unproven yet highly regarded Blough replaces Kingsbury.
Secondly, Brian Johnson departed for the Rams last week. Quinn obviously did not want to miss out on hiring Blough, as even Detroit’s Dan Campbell described last week. Yet, Johnson understandably was passed over, and we can all understand how he must have felt, so he looked for employment elsewhere.
Finally, Dan Quinn’s staff this year does not include a running game coordinator. Anthony Lynn held the position last year, and this year, Lynn is listed as the running backs coach only.
Defensive Staff
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ staff is smaller, with four fewer coaches than the offense. Like Blough, Jones is a first-time NFL coordinator. Unlike Blough, who has coached for two seasons, Jones has been coaching for the last 25 seasons.
Ken Norton Jr. returns as linebackers coach, bringing NFL coordinator experience. He was the defensive coordinator for the Raiders (2015-17) and the Seahawks (2018-21).
Veteran defensive coach John Pagano returns. He was the Chargers’ defensive coordinator (2012-16). In 2025, Pagano was Washington’s senior defensive assistant. In 2026, he will serve as outside linebackers coach.
William Gay (11-year NFL cornerback) has been promoted to cornerbacks coach.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders officially introduce 2026 coaching staff
